In this vote, the House voted to approve the rule governing consideration of S. 256, a bill to alter federal bankruptcy laws. (A rule sets forth what amendments House members may offer, how much time each side will be permitted to speak, how long the debate can last, etc. A vote on the rule usually reflects existing support and opposition for the underlying legislation and/or loyalty to one's party.) (This vote was a follow-up to vote 104, which was also a procedural vote regarding the rule for S. 256.) Democrats, including Progressives, argued vehemently against the rule because the Rules Committee (the body of the House that draws up special rules for consideration of a bill; it is weighted in favor of the majority party&ndash;currently the Republicans&ndash;and often works in conjunction with party leadership in formulating rules) had brought to the floor a closed rule that did not permit amendments to be offered. Arguing the Progressive position, one representative noted, "Once again, the majority has squelched debate on a controversial piece of legislation for no legitimate reason." (Alcee Hastings (D-FL).) Republicans defended the closed rule, citing its history as "the culmination of nearly 8 years of intense and detailed congressional consideration" as the reason that no further amendments needed to be allowed on the House floor at this time. The House voted 227 to 199 along straight party lines to order the previous question on the rule, thus defeating the Progressive position and shutting out any opportunity for Democrats to offer amendments to the bankruptcy bill on the House floor.